A new study suggests that self-employment may help reduce certain risk factors for heart disease in women, highlighting how workplace conditions can influence long-term health.
Published in BMC Public Health, the research analyzed data from 19,400 working adults in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The study focused on links between employment type and cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure, obesity, poor diet, inactivity, and sleep issues.
Researchers found that women who were self-employed had lower rates of several key risk factors. For white women, the risks of obesity, physical inactivity, and poor sleep were reduced by 7.4%, 7%, and 9.4%, respectively. Self-employed women of color saw similar benefits, with a 6.7% drop in poor diet, a 7.3% drop in inactivity, and an 8.1% drop in poor sleep. Self-employed white men also showed some improvement, though the effects were smaller, and minority men did not experience the same benefits.
While the study doesn’t confirm cause and effect, researchers believe greater autonomy and flexibility may help reduce stress — a major contributor to heart disease. “Women who are self-employed may experience less stress and more control over their schedules,” said lead author Dr. Kimberly Narain of UCLA’s David Geffen School of Medicine.
Cardiologist Dr. Jennifer Wong added that less perceived stress may lower the risk of sleep problems and obesity, both of which contribute to heart issues. Self-employed women might also find it easier to fit in exercise, prepare healthy meals, and keep up with medical appointments, said Dr. Yanting Wang of Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.
However, experts caution against quitting a salaried job based solely on this study. Instead, they encourage all women — regardless of employment status — to prioritize heart health through balanced eating, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep.
“This research shows how much our work environment can impact our overall health,” said Dr. Narain. “It’s important to consider not just what we do for work, but how it affects our well-being.”
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